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The Nutcracker On Tour
Every adaptation of The Nutcracker is the same, yet each The Nutcracker is different from all others. Although it premiered in Saint Petersburg's Mariinsky Theatre on December 18, 1892, composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker wouldn't become the dependably magical holiday-season reaffirmation of Christmas joy we know and love until decades later.
Marius Petipa, who commissioned Tchaikovsky's music, and Lev Ivanov originally choreographed the world's most popular ballet. It was loosely based on Alexandre Dumas' The Story of a Nutcracker, the French writer's adaptation of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, which was a fantastical story by German author E.T.A. Hoffmann. Mourning the recent death of his sister, Tchaikovsky was often unhappy while composing the work, which he nonetheless imbued with some of his most enduringly gorgeous music. (The descending melody in the adagio section of the "Grand Pas de Deux" is said to reflect his feelings.)
Russian ballet was flourishing at the time The Nutcracker debuted, and no expense was spared. In Petipa's production, 60 snowflakes wore long white tutus and matching crowns adorned with fluff balls. The battle scene's soldiers, meanwhile, were recruited from a military academy rather than ballet school, leading to a less-than-elegant confrontation.
The Nutcracker was fated to become more popular abroad than in its birthplace, and was subsequently tailored to suit its new audiences. Encouraged by local Russian émigrés, Willam Christensen mounted the first full American production in San Francisco in 1944. Ten years later, George Balanchine choreographed a landmark version for the New York City Ballet, imbuing it with what Nutcracker Nation author Jennifer Fisher calls its "familial feeling." Balanchine's version was broadcast on national television a few years later with narration by June Lockhart (of Lassie fame).
While nearly every subsequent version of The Nutcracker contains falling snow, fighting mice, dancing candy, and a growing tree (asked to produce it without the tree, Balanchine reportedly replied, "No, the ballet is the tree"), some intriguing mutations have emerged. These include Nutcrackers on ice, the animated adaptation Walt Disney included in the 1940 movie Fantasia, and The Harlem Nutcracker, a swinging jazz revision by choreographer Donald Byrd.
A remarkably resilient blend of complex classical ballet, popular imagery, and holiday nostalgia, The Nutcracker has taken on a life of its own since it first appeared one cold Russian winter over 100 years ago.
I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful performance. There was a glitch with the venue when the fire alarm sounded and the building had to be evacuated. The staff handled the situation very well and the show continued in it's entirety.
Great performance classic and beautiful theater to watch.
The Nutcracker at the Genesee was a wonderful experience and extremely well done. We had three generations there and the performance was appreciated by the youngest as well as the parents and grandparents. We could not give a higher recommendation.
I have seen several Nutcracker productions and this ranks as one of the best.
No matter how many times you see it! My granddaughters loved it! It was magical! And we had great seats! The theater -beautiful!
We've been to over 20 Nutcrackers, this was the best, by far. The scenes, the talent , everything was fabulous !
There was a time when the Von Heidecke Nutcracker was a treat. It would maintain the traditional story portrayal but the choreography, costumes, and sets were a cut above. This year, the production was good, but not special like in the past.
I remembered it being a lot better when I was a kid. My favorite part when I was a child was the rows of toy soldiers—this performance had 1.
This ballet is my favorite Nutcracker Ballet I have ever seen. The live orchestra, costumes, sets and talented dancers was magical!
The show was good but there was 2 little girls sitting behind us that were terrible! They talked through the whole show. One kept sneezing on the back of my head and the other kept kicking the back of my chair and hit me in the back of the head a few times! Then the snacks after intermission.....there was bag crinkling and shaking! I was so distracted i couldnt focus on the show at all! So with that all said....i feel there should be a age requirement for the show! I spent a lot of money for a show that i didnt even get to enjoy!
The young people in this annual production are outstanding. Love J.L. as Clara! I also thought the Snow Queen did a great job. We have seen this show for several years. It has always been the same set and backdrop, so maybe that could be changed up? Otherwise, a great starter to the holiday season!
My family and I very much enjoyed The Nutcracker. It was the first time for all of us seeing it.
Was so awesome dancers were beyond expectations well worth the attendance
I so enjoyed the beautiful elegance of The Nutcracker. The beautiful stage and costumes. The dancers were superb!!! I have not seen this ballet since I was 6 years old and that was many moons ago but the excitement and enchantment was the same. I will go again the next time it comes to Buffalo, New York. Thank you Sheas for bringing them!!!
It was fantastic! A magical show, I think we have a new tradition in our house. Definitely going to go see again next year.
My husband and I were so excited to see The Nutcracker. It was good to be able to watch a performance in the old theater. When the ballet started I was very confused. The more they performed the more confused I got. I have seen The Nutcracker many times and I have danced as a Sugarplum Fairy in my ballet days. What we experienced was a beautifully performed ballet but it was NOT The Nutcracker. It was nowhere near The Nutcracker. That was the biggest disappointed because my husband had never seen it.
First time going to a ballet. It was very nice...alot of young talent, loved all the little ones involved and playing their role. Love that it started on time!
My daughter and I have a tradition to see the Nutcracker every year to kick off the holidays. This year’s production was one of the best we have seen. The dancers were strong and graceful. We especially enjoyed the sugarplum fairy. Her timing was exquisite. Since we know the music so well, we could anticipate the notes and each time, she delivered with such fluid movements that both my daughter and I got chills. It was a performance that we will always remember.
Love having this as a tradition for my girl and I! Beautiful show!
This was our 5th year watching Neglia Ballet’s Nutcracker. Beautiful as always. Some new props made for a fresh performance. The local students and out of town professionals show a lovely blend of talent.